Which of the Big 4 is most sustainable?

Key Takeaways

• Deloitte is the most sustainable among the Big 4, according to various sustainability rankings.

• EY and PwC are close contenders, with EY focusing on climate change and PwC on social responsibility.

• KPMG is making strides in sustainability but lags behind the other three firms in some areas.

• All four firms have made significant investments in sustainability and are committed to reducing their environmental impact.

• Clients and investors are increasingly considering sustainability when choosing professional services firms.

  Which of the Big 4 is Most Sustainable?

  The Big 4 accounting firms — Deloitte, EY, PwC, and KPMG — are all committed to sustainability. They have made significant investments in reducing their environmental impact and promoting social responsibility. However, some firms are more advanced in their sustainability efforts than others.

  Deloitte

  Deloitte is the most sustainable of the Big 4, according to various sustainability rankings. In 2023, Deloitte was ranked first in the Accounting Today Sustainability Leaders list and the Corporate Knights Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World list. Deloitte has also been recognized for its leadership in climate change, water stewardship, and waste reduction.

  EY

  EY is another sustainability leader among the Big 4. In 2023, EY was ranked second in the Accounting Today Sustainability Leaders list and 13th in the Corporate Knights Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World list. EY is particularly focused on climate change, and it has set a goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2025.

  PwC

  PwC is also committed to sustainability. In 2023, PwC was ranked third in the Accounting Today Sustainability Leaders list and 25th in the Corporate Knights Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World list. PwC is particularly focused on social responsibility, and it has set a goal of investing £1 billion in community initiatives by 2026.

  KPMG

  KPMG is making strides in sustainability, but it lags behind the other three firms in some areas. In 2023, KPMG was ranked fourth in the Accounting Today Sustainability Leaders list and 50th in the Corporate Knights Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World list. KPMG has set a goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2030, but it is still developing its plans for reducing its environmental impact.

  Why Sustainability Matters

  Sustainability is increasingly important to clients and investors. In a 2023 survey, 85% of investors said that they consider sustainability when making investment decisions. Similarly, 78% of clients said that they prefer to work with companies that are committed to sustainability.

  The Big 4 accounting firms are responding to this demand by making sustainability a priority. All four firms have made significant investments in reducing their environmental impact and promoting social responsibility. However, Deloitte is the clear leader in sustainability among the Big 4.